To ask if youd rather be bored or stressed....

[MeetmeinParis]

Work situ, long story short, I have a lot of experience in management, currently working in a receptionist role with fairly long hours but it is a very short commute with zero stress and a very simple job, it is boring as a result of there not being anything else for me to do when I'm not greeting customers or answering calls. I have quite often taken things on to help others out as I hate having nothing to do, this has been recognised and I've been offered a promotion into a different department. The department in question appears to be quite stressful but I feel I could do it, I've spent some time helping out in there and there's a lot of complaining about being busy but not actually doing very much. I'd be getting a 4k payrise but moving from a 42.5 hour week to a 45 hour week with minimal breaks. I don't need the extra money although it would be nice to have. It would be a step up for me but I cannot decide if it's worth the extra hours and potential stress. I'm 40 if that's relevant, I cannot see me doing my current job till I retire. I have DC 10 and 13 so still need childcare for youngest.

Small amount of stress is always better than boredom for me. If I’ve got little to do I will just procrastinate and never get anything ticked off - give me 20 deadlines and I will get work delivered far quicker. Boredom in little pockets is ok but if it’s stretching out ahead of me I would take the job that will have bits of stress any day.

Bored - but I rarely am. I can find something to do in a room with nothing in
Me too, I'm retired now and have had it up to my eyeballs with workplace stress. There is always something to do, even if it's just think. I've always been able to keep myself occupied even in the proverbial empty room. It's a dying art.

I’d take it.

• although personally it would depend on the department, eg if sales you need that kind of personality

I would rather be busy than bored though like most other people

Agreed, I enjoy being busy too. But being busy doesn't always mean stressed. Well not for me anyway.

I'd rather be stressed! My job bores me to tears (literal tears) and has completely stripped away my self-esteem because I wasn't being challenged or using my brain at all, I would come home and be exhausted but so wired at the same time. I have just handed my notice in.

It depends on the level of stress really. If we’re talking about stress that keeps you awake at night and will eventually lead to a trip to the doctors then I’d take boredom.

Money matters too. DH has a very stressful job but he also gets a lot of perks, generous holiday allowance and a six figure salary.

Bored. There's always MN to fill the time.

Unless the step up job was a meal ticket/ladder to much more well paid sector I wouldn't bother.

Stressed
Every time

Give me stress over boredom any time.
I actually find boredom far more stressful than actual stress. I loathe not having enough to do and at work it would send me round the bend.
Also tbh it doesn't sound like the position you're being offered is massively more stressful anyway and for extra cash for a few more hours it sounds like a no brainer -- surprised you have to ask.

I hate being bored and will do anything to avoid it. I probably haven't been bored for about twenty years and I quite like a bit of stress. Recently I have started a new job that can be boring at times and I've already found ways to make time pass quicker. Break tasks down into time slots. Look around for things that need fixing or tidying. Write notes for things you need to do at home. Rearranging, reorganizing, keeping busy.

I personally thrive on a bit of stress/pressure at work and find boredom to drain my confidence and ability to be successful at work. However, I wouldn't change from bored to stress for just £4k.

I'd be negotiating for more money for sure.

Stressed - quite like a bit of stress in work but hate being bored!

I hate being bored at work but I also think 4k does not sound like much of an increase for the additional bother and hours, especially if the role might mean it is harder to find cover for sick days or child care etc. Then it will become unhappy stress rather than feeling busy and useful.

Could they pay more? Is the money enough to pay for extra childcare etc? and holidays or a few things that make life easier if you need them to relieve stress?

If it were for a job I loved or a vocation type job, then I would probably take the offer, but not just any job to escape. So unless the role really appeals to you, I think in your situation OP I would stick to what you have now but seriously job hunt for something that you will enjoy and that also pays better.

Give it a go. Stick the extra money in your pension.